Andy Griffith passed away today July 3 at age 86. Griffith's family confirmed he died at his home in Roanoke Island, NC.

This American icon and Triad hero has been a fatherly figure to many, and grew the pride North Carolinians have for their state.

Below are reactions of Andy's death from Griffith's family and North Carolina Lawmakers:

Statement From Wife, Cindi Griffith:

"Andy was a person of incredibly strong Christian faith and was prepared for the day he would be called Home to his Lord. He is the love of my life, my constant companion, my partner, and my best friend. I cannot imagine life without Andy, but I take comfort and strength in God's Grace and in the knowledge that Andy is at peace and with God."

Statement From Gov. Bev Perdue:

"North Carolina has lost its favorite son. Andy Griffith graciously stepped into the living rooms of generations of Americans, always with the playful charm that made him the standard by which entertainers would be measured for decades.

Throughout his career, he represented everything that was good about North Carolina: a small town boy and UNC graduate who took a light-hearted approach to some of the attributes he grew up with and turned them into a spectacularly successful career. And regardless of where that career took him, he always came back to North Carolina and spent his final years here.

In an increasingly complicated world, we all yearn for the days of Mayberry. We all will miss Andy, and I will dearly miss my friend."

Statement From Senator Richard Burr:

"Brooke and I were very sad to learn of the passing of Andy Griffith today. Andy was a true North Carolina icon who introduced many people across the country and across the world to our great state for the first time. While his passing is sad, the legacy he leaves through his work on television and in his community will remain timeless, and future generations will be able to enjoy and appreciate his talent for years to come."

The following statement regarding the death of Andy Griffith was issued Tuesday by Michael C. Hardy, director of the Institute of Outdoor Drama:

Of all the stars who have played in outdoor dramas across the United States, Andy Griffith undoubtedly had the biggest impact. His early portrayal of Sir Walter Raleigh in "The Lost Colony" sent two important messages about outdoor drama: that it was professional theatre and that stars could be born there. Generations of hopeful young theatre hopefuls have flocked to outdoor theatres in the decades that followed and, as Paul Green wrote in "The Lost Colony," "The Dream still lives; it lives and shall not die."

From Twitter:

Ron Howard @RealRonHoward:
Andy Griffith His pursuit of excellence and the joy he took in creating served generations & shaped my life I'm forever grateful RIP Andy

Barack Obama
@BarackObama:"Michelle and I were saddened to hear about the passing of Andy Griffith...he was beloved by generations"

Brad Paisley
@BradPaisley
Andy Griffith entertained the world. He improved our lives, and I was so proud to work with him call him a friend. Love you Andy. Go rest.